Jonathan Vilma gives New Orleans Saints a boost

The initial loss of Jonathan Vilma to a season-long suspension for his role in the New Orleans Saints bounty program always was framed more in terms of the linebacker's leadership and less around his play between the lines.

"Just his presence alone ... you could feel how grateful he was," Brees said, via the Times-Picayune. "He's just one of those guys, very vocal, he obviously knows guys very well, they know him, so his ability to say certain things at the right time, just provide a lift, whether it be his productivity on the field or making a play or something he would say, that presence was definitely felt this week."

The nine-year veteran is being allowed to play while he appeals his suspension. He has a hearing on his appeal scheduled for Oct. 30.

"I can only do as much as I can," Vilma said. "Obviously I didn't have training camp or OTAs, but (I'm) still going to practice and prepare the same way, and it's going to come back, eventually it will come back, you never get it all in one shot. Each week, all I can do is focus on trying to get better, focus on the little things, and we'll go from there."